Infused with garlic, sun dried tomatoes and red peppers, this creamy, smoky, different and easy Tuscan Pasta is the perfect dish to cozy up to or cook up during a gathering. Delicious food doesn't have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn't always need an entire shopping list of ingredients! This dish is wholesome, perfect for the whole family and only takes 30 minutes to make!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooktime: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Through my cooking journey I have realized that the most delicious dinners are ones that are simple, using fewer but fresh ingredients, and balance flavours and textures that compliment each other. I have also learnt we are living in an increasingly demanding world, especially those of you with full time jobs and/or children! So I have decided to put out more dishes that can be made in 30 minutes or less, with simple ingredients that are delicious and perfect for the family to enjoy.
For me, nothing beats taking some time out to prepare a dish that's delicious, different and enjoyed by everyone. And because I know it's quick, I can enjoy the process of making it too!
Sharing this recipe seemed like the perfect way to start this year because the Tuscan region of Italy is known for it's simple yet flavourful cuisine. If I'm being honest, I haven't made this recipe for years, but the other day my husband asked why I haven't, and I took that as a sign to make it again! And when I did, he said "this is the best pasta you've ever made!". Now this was the ultimate validation to share the gem with you.
Why you need to try the Easy Tuscan Pasta recipe?
This dish has all the elements that make a really tasty and comforting pasta! The flavours of the garlic, mushrooms and red peppers, if you ask me, are a marriage made in heaven! And with the addition of sun dried tomatoes, cream and parmesan cheese, you have the flavours and textures you need; smoky, creamy, crunchy, peppery, sweet and salty.
Let's face it, a small part of us does feel happy when we cook a wholesome meal for our family and know that we didn't end up spending hours in the kitchen making it, with tones of chopping and a pile of dishes at the end to wash. So next time you go to the grocery store, why not add these few ingredients to your list and make this dish?
Easy Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Cook time | 20 minutes |
Prep time | 10 minutes |
Total time | 30 minutes |
Serves | 4 |
Ingredients
1 heaped cup sliced mushrooms (around 6 button mushrooms)
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cubed red peppers
3-4 tablespoons coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup roughly chopped spinach
350g boiled fettuchini (or choice of pasta) Reserve 1 cup of pasta water
1 cube of chicken/veg stock
1 cup of cream (I used 18%, use less if you're using a full fat cream)
Sprinkle of cracked pepper (according to taste)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Method
Heat the olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add garlic and sizzle for 1 minute until lightly golden brown.
Add mushrooms and cook until half done, around 3 minutes.
Add salt, red peppers and sun dried tomatoes. Sizzle for a further 3 minutes then add the chopped spinach.
Sizzle for a further 3 minutes then add chicken stock, cream and 1/2 cup pasta water.
Cook until sauce thickens (around 5 minutes).
Add fettuccini, cracked black pepper and parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the pasta water if you find the pasta too thick.